What is a MCSD .NET?

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for Microsoft .NET credential is the top-level certification for advanced developers who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions, using Microsoft development tools and technologies as well as the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is an internationally recognised qualification which is proven to benefit both the developer themselves and the employer. 

The following independent reports examine these benefits in detail: 'The Value of Certification for Solution Developers'  & Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification.

* The graph above is for the original MCSD route. With claimed productivity improvements of 400% on VS.NET the MCSD.NET qualified professional is likely to be even more valuable to their employer.

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The Value of MCSD .NET Certification to Developers

• Qualification means that the developer has demonstrated a complete and through knowledge of at least two Microsoft development languages and has a proven understanding of the Microsoft Windows technologies around which current and future development will be based.
• A developer with the MCSD qualification has achieved an internationally recognised standard which in turn means a higher remuneration package and better career development.
• An MCSD developer can demonstrate professional credibility that employers will increasingly demand for the future contracts.
• The developer receives a package of benefits from Microsoft including beta evaluation, Developer Network Library, access to a secured area of the MCP Web site.

There are a number of supporting documents relating to the above benefits including: MCP Corporate Program backgrounder, various case studies and an independent survey by the Applied Experimental Psychology Group of Southern Illinois University. Copies of these documents are available on request from F1 or Microsoft.

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The Value of MCSD .NET Certification to Employers

• Increased job competence and productivity due to the developers having better analysis, design, development, debugging, coding, project management, testing & distribution skills.
• A complete and thorough knowledge of the Microsoft development languages and Microsoft Windows technologies means that developers will produce better quality systems which are easier to maintain and enhance.
• The employer will find lower staff turnover due to increased job and technology satisfaction amongst employees.
• The employer is likely to benefit from easier staff recruitment due to employees appreciating the commitment by the employer to an internationally approved education program. 
• See independent reports on The Value of Certification for Solution Developers'  & Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification.

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The Benefits of Using F1 to Certify

F1 Computing is one of the leading development companies in its field and uses this expertise to ensure that its training clients have both the theoretical knowledge supplied by Microsoft curriculum and the practical knowledge that only a development company can give.

• Save 53% on the cost of courses when you book F1's Path to MCSD Accreditation package.  Call 0800 169 1890 for a detailed quotation customised to your specific requirements.

• F1 knows that sometimes some of the material on a course is difficult to get to grips with. To help delegates pass MCP exams, F1 allows MCSD package delegates to re-sit any course if they feel it will help them pass their MCP. Call for more details. 

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MCSD .NET Examination Requirements

MCSD .NET candidates are required to pass four core technology exams and one elective exam that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. Exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organisations throughout the world.

To get more information about how to prepare for each exam, please visit the Microsoft web section for a list of links to suggested courses, preparation guides, exam study guides and practice exams.

The MCSD requirements are outlined in the table below.

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F1 Routes to MCSD .NET Certification and Prices

As the only Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions to focus primarily on development, F1 is well placed to recommend  the most useful and cost effective routes to get you qualified as a MCSD. 

In addition to the standard Microsoft Courses other trainer providers offer, F1 had developed a MCSD customised Course F1022 made up from selected Microsoft Official Curriculum modules from courses 2557 and 2526.

Course F1022 is tuned to ensure you cover all of the material needed to pass the MCSD exams without wasting your time learning material which is not required for the exams. 

Detailed below are our most popular routes. 

1. If you are completely new to programming and IT, F1 provides completely Free of Charge an Introduction to .NET Programming book together with our comprehensive Support Plan. This plan gives you access to a fully qualified Microsoft Certified Trainer to help you fully understand the concepts introduced in the book.  Alternatively, If you prefer classroom training, you can attend courses Introduction to Programming (2667) and Introduction to Visual Basic .NET Programming with Microsoft .NET (2559) for an additional fee of £1100.

2. Courses 2389, 2524 and 2310 on blended routes are taught as
   e-Learning courses with full comprehensive Support.

3. Route includes all bought-in Microsoft Official Curriculum manuals costing up to £744, refreshments and lunches, ongoing support from qualified MCT and free resits on any courses you have attended. Route excludes all exam costs of £440.

4. All prices are subject to VAT, if applicable.

Many other routes are available to suit your specific requirements.  Please call 0800 169 1890 to discuss these options with a qualified MCT trainer.

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